Lasting heat: How is the Urban Heat Island effect impacting Mumbaikars?

by May 31, 2025 Environment
Mumbai's microclimate zones create urban heat islands, making some areas hotter. This video explores how extreme heat affects locals’ daily lives.

“The weather used to be good, but the climate has changed over time,” says Munir, who works at a salon in Colaba. A March 2025 report brought out by Respirer Living Sciences confirms Munir’s experience and observations. Colaba has become an urban heat island (UHI).

Mumbai faced a particularly harsh summer this year. While the monsoon arrived early and brought respite from the intense heat, the UHI effect in certain pockets remains an ongoing challenge. It has led to the creation of microclimate zones in the island city. As a result, some parts of Mumbai see a considerably higher temperature than the surrounding areas.

The Mumbai Climate Action Plan has also analysed data to identify urban heat islands. While the UHI effect in itself is significant, when taken in conjunction with inadequate heat-related policies, the problem is magnified.

Read more: Keeping it cool: How Mumbai’s building rules must address heat stress

Factors such as age, gender, occupation, and socio-economic conditions heavily influence vulnerability to heat. Moreover, heat can exacerbate the hazards posed by underlying health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental health disorders. The World Health Organization, recognising the impact of heat on health, has brought out a framework to build climate-resilient health systems. Besides health, extreme heat also impacts livelihoods, especially for people working outdoors or with no access to air-conditioning.

To address these urgent issues, we need robust policies to be effectively implemented. “There is no policy that connects the dots between health impacts and heat stress,” says Sarita Fernandes, convener of the Heatwave Action Coalition (India). 

A public drinking fountain
Climate resilience programmes must take into account vulnerable groups like women, the elderly, children and outdoor workers. Pic: Radha Puranik

Citizen Matters explored the fallout of the UHI effect in a video story, with a focus on Colaba. This video looks at the experiences of people living and working in Colaba as well as the gaps in policies which address urban heat.


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About Shruti Gokarn

Shruti Gokarn is a Reporter for Citizen Matters. A former educator turned journalist, she writes on education, handicrafts, food, and travel among other things. Her other interests are crocheting, and reading.
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